God’s Mercy

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT

Thoughts for Today
As problem behaviors and dependencies progress in our life through the phases of experimentation and social use, we move into the third stage: daily preoccupation. Now we begin to lose control over the problem and violate our value system. We cannot block out the emotional pain, and our lifestyle is centered on this compulsive behavior. Unresolved problems produce more stress and pain. We break our self-imposed rules and our life deteriorates in all areas including our health and our relationships with God and others.

Consider this …
If you have reached this point with a life-controlling problem, you may feel as though you’ve messed up so badly that it’s too late to turn back. But it’s not. Today’s scripture reminds us that God is rich in mercy and love. It’s only by God’s grace that any of us are saved. None of us deserves his love and forgiveness … but he offers it to all. Don’t let this problem turn you away from his love—run to his open arms. He loves you no matter what and he wants to help you get back on track.

Prayer
Father, thank you for your love and for reminding me that you are rich in mercy. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness for my failures, but because of Jesus I can come to you. I’m so sorry for this behavior that has taken control of my life. Please forgive me. Help me find my way out of this. In Jesus’ name …

(by livingfree.org)

Verse of the Day

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” — Jeremiah 17:7-8Public Domain. Powered by BibleGateway.com.

Preachers of the Month

October 2015Theme: "Solidarity in the
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Philippians 2:1-3